Can Marijuana Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis?

Cannabis has been wildly successful in treating symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Patients all over the world have found much-needed relief from pain, gastrointestinal distress, muscle spasms, and even paralysis thanks to cannabis.

Your doctor isn’t likely to suggest you use it until you try other medicines first. He may recommend it as an additional treatment if you live in a state where it’s legal. Research is still early, but some studies show it can treat MS symptoms like:

Stiffness or uncontrolled muscle movements. Medical marijuana may help calm your spasms and let you move your arms and legs more freely.

Overactive bladder. Does MS make you feel like you need to go the bathroom a lot? The drug can ease the spasms that cause your frequent urge to pee.

Nerve pain. It could make you hurt less, which can help you sleep better, too.

Doctors suggest you use medical marijuana as a pill or spray instead of smoking. “In theory, smoked marijuana should be as effective a treatment as other forms,” says Kevin P. Hill, MD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.

It’s now legal in more than 20 states, but not all doctors think their patients should use it, and it’s certainly not for everyone. But regardless, it’s a great option for people with this serious condition.